Cambridge girls win Ford Test Driver

Test drive champions

TOP DRIVERS: The test drive champions, Emily Blakey (L) and Chelcie Kuriger, both 19, wanted to prove that blondes can drive.

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They entered a national motoring compeitition to prove that blondes can drive and last night two Cambridge friends were confirmed as test drive champions.

Emily Blakey and Chelcie Kuriger, both 19, were also hoping to destroy the age old theory that ‘women can’t drive’ in taking out the Ford Test Driver, an 8-week competition that put four teams to the ultimate test in a battle of motors and minds.

They beat a men's pair from West Auckland in the final.

"We’re so happy it came down to guys versus girls,’’ Miss Blakey said. ‘‘It gave us a bit more motivation to win it. To do it for the females," Miss Kuriger added and said peoples perception of women on the road was "frustrating".

Miss Kuriger said her farming upbringing was to be credited for her driving skills.

"I learned to drive in the paddock,’’ she said.

Chelcie and Emily met at Wintec, studying for an automatic trade apprenticeship, and were two of just four girls in the 120 who made up the course.

They both love cars, claim to be good drivers and said they entered the competition to prove that blondes can drive.

Both girls are also aware of the importance of being able to drive safely and confidently, particularly on Waikato roads which have claimed more lives than any other region in the country this year.

‘‘I’ve known quite a few of the people that have lost their lives and they’ve been quite young,’’ Miss Blakey said.

The two friends are now planning an ultimate kiwi road trip which they will kick off once they receive their prize, a brand new Ford Mondeo Titanium.